Unique Ministry Takes Root at The BLOOM Center 

The 9,000-square-foot facility next to Central Bearden Church had been a working nursery for several years before shutting down. Eventually, the owners approached Church Administrator Gary Schmieder and the congregation about buying the property and buildings that were desperately in need of repair.

“I volunteered to lead a group to determine possibilities for this facility,” said Walter Cromer, a member of the church in Knoxville, Tennessee, who holds a master’s degree in agriculture engineering and is a certified Master Gardener. “We looked at several options, from trying to sell the greenhouse off and putting something else here, to having an event venue for weddings and receptions and reunions.”

One night, the committee met with representatives from UT Horticultural Therapy, and the Health Department. Knox County Schools shared the need for special needs students to get hands-on work experience.

“They said, ‘That might be an option for you guys,’” said Cromer, “I’ll never forget it. Gary looked over at me, and with tears in his eyes, asked, ‘Can we do that, please?’”

“I thought, Okay, God, this is a real thing,” said Cromer. “People started volunteering for various things like construction teams, engineering teams, and plant growth teams.”

Learning what to plant and getting the greenhouse upgraded was part of the challenge Cromer and his team faced. Now, Zimbabwe Foxglove, Pumpkin on a Stick, and orchids fill long handicap access worktables.

The school bus drops special needs students off outside the turquoise-painted garden gate of the BLOOM Center. Once inside, the students pick up a clipboard from the long white table with their daily tasks on it. Each student learns about responsibility and how to follow directions, life skills that will serve them well after they graduate and move into the job market.

Matt, a student from a special needs class tackles the first job on his checklist. “I am sweeping,” he cheered as he pushed small pieces of gravel off extra-wide sidewalks.

“The real people that make this work aren’t those who just love plants,” said Cromer. “They are the ones who love people too.”

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Loving people and serving those in the special needs community is exactly what Nancy Reeves, a lifelong member of Bearden Central, has invested her life in.

“I just retired from working for the State as special needs educator and liaison,” said Reeves. “When they announced the plans for the BLOOM Center, well, I about jumped out of my skin and ran to Walter to volunteer.”

Reeves told Cromer she knew nothing about plants.

“That’s okay,” Reeves replied. “ I don’t know anything about education.”

In that moment, they became part of a team that would continue to grow beyond the BLOOM Center.

“That’s how it all started,” said Reeves. “I contacted a friend with a special needs daughter, and she said, there’s nothing for special needs adults, or their families.”

The BLOOM Center was a springboard for the class that Reeves titled Uniquely Growing in Christ, a class for adults with special needs. Bearden Central sees it as a viable ministry for those in the community. Monthly mission projects provide an opportunity for individuals to serve others.

Tim Earl, minister of missions, helps to oversee and support Reeves, acting as a liaison between the ministry and the church.

Earl said “It’s just been neat to see how God has given Nancy the vision to start a Sunday school class. Our church is learning how to minister and work with those with special needs as well as their families.”

Reeves started out with just a handful of students, but the class is steadily growing.

One Sunday, Reeves shared the story of Jesus telling the disciples to share his love with others and decided to put the lesson into action. Going from room to room, Reeves gently tapped on the door of several adult classes and asked if the class could deliver a very important message.

Non-verbal students held up “Jesus Loves You!” signs while others said the words out loud.

The church encourages church members to interact with Reeves and her class by giving them the room right next to the coffee station where people are constantly walking past and stopping in to say hi.

“I think it is so important for the church to see they are people,” said Earl. “They’re not autism. They’re not Fragile X. They’re not Down syndrome. They’re people first. They are children who love God in their own way.”

Marci Seither lives in Knoxville with her husband. She has written hundreds of articles for local publications as well as Focus on the Family, Guideposts, and WORLD magazine. She is the author of four books. When she isn’t writing she loves to make jam, take photos, and play with her grandkids.